Puerto Rico, often known as the Island of Enchantment, is filled with charms which can be delivered by way of its ample pure magnificence and its yr spherical Caribbean tropical climate.
Its wealthy historical past, vibrant tradition, beautiful landscapes, and heat locals make it a novel and unforgettable vacation spot.
However these usually are not the one causes to go to Puerto Rico, it has a lot extra to supply.
On this information, we share among the high causes to go to Puerto Rico and why it makes an ideal vacation spot for any traveler.
Causes To Go to Puerto Rico
1. You’ll be able to discover the oldest metropolis in a U.S. territory
Puerto Rico has been a part of america since 1898. However earlier than this, Puerto Rico had already been creating its cities in the course of the earlier 405 years below Spain’s ruling.
Because of this, Previous San Juan is taken into account to be the oldest metropolis in america. Its seven-by-seven-block grid of cobblestone streets is lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, plazas, church buildings, parks, and navy fortresses.
Some must-see sights are Castillo San Felipe del Morro Fort and San Cristobal Fort, and a stroll by way of Paseo de la Princesa.
2. For its pure range and off the crushed path sceneries
I’m nonetheless marveled by how such a small island can have such a various ecosystem.
Whereas the north coast tends to be a fertile coastal plain, the south tends to be a lot dryer and fairly sizzling. On the west coast steep mountains rise from the ocean, whereas the east shores are stuffed with sandy seashores.
All through the island you will see a tropical rain forest, a dry forest, bioluminescent bays, a subterranean river cave system, pristine seashores, and world-class browsing and diving spots; all lower than a three-hour drive aside.
For a style of the pure range and a option to get off the crushed path, drive the astonishingly scenic Ruta Panorámica (Panoramic Route) all through the middle of the island, for my part one of the crucial stunning routes within the island.
3. To expertise a mix of cultures
I consider Puerto Rican tradition is considerably colourful and dynamic.
As you expertise the day by day life, you will note and listen to the cultural melting pot that characterizes the island in all the things from the language, meals, dance, traditions, and all the things in between.
The cultural and racial origins come from the Native Taíno; which was finally blended with the Spanish conquistadors and African Slaves.
This tripartite combine composes the framework of Puerto Rican tradition; leading to a up to date society with virtually no racial issues.
4. For its water sports activities and energetic adventures
Being a tropical island, water sports activities are large among the many locals.
Diving fans favor the east coast, whereas surfers love the waves north and west off Aguadilla and Rincon. There’s additionally a wide selection of locations across the island to go deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and crusing.
Whereas inland, the subterranean river caves of Rio Camuy, the world’s third largest subterranean river cave system, makes for an ideal caving journey; and so does climbing to the highest of El Yunque Nationwide Rainforest, the one tropical rainforest in North America.
5. As a result of it’s not only one island
Puerto Rico is often regarded as a single island, however in actuality it’s a group of islands, cays, and islets.
The principle island, Puerto Rico, is surrounded by three small islands: Vieques, Culebra, and Mona.
As well as, quite a few smaller islands and cays sprinkle the Atlantic and Caribbean seas, amongst these: Monito, Desecheo, Caja de Muertos, and Gilligan’s Island.
Island hopping is likely one of the methods locals like to discover the island on any given weekend. Vieques and Culebra are thought of to be “the way in which Puerto Rico was” – and I agree!
6. To take pleasure in scrumptious creole delicacies
Though Puerto Rican cooking is considerably just like Spanish, Cuban, and Mexican delicacies, it has a novel tasty mix of African, Taíno, and American influences.
We all know this as Comida Criolla (Creole meals), and it is likely one of the the explanation why I like to return usually.
Puerto Ricans adore well-seasoned hen, pork, beef, recent seafood similar to fish and shellfish.
Most dishes are complemented with rice, beans, salad, and plantains. The truth is, plantains are the only hottest aspect dish served on the island.
Desserts often embrace some type of flan and coconut is among the many most typical dessert elements.
For drinks, pure juices and low are a typical alternative. Rum is the nationwide drink, and you should buy it in virtually any shade.
One factor you could strive in Puerto Rico is plantains!
7. To loosen up and have enjoyable at its seashores
Miles of publicly accessible shoreline is one motive most individuals go to Puerto Rico. It has many seashores with clear, golden sand and turquoise blue waters.
- Condado Seaside is likely one of the hottest seashores in San Juan; nice for people-watching since it’s at all times energetic and stuffed with vacationers and distributors.
- Luquillo Seaside has that postcard look with its stunning half-moon form.
- Isla Verde Seaside is an award-winning seashore identified for its clear, delicate sand and beachside resorts.
- And Flamenco Seaside, in Culebra, is for my part among the best seashores in Puerto Rico – three miles of pure magnificence, waves, and solar.
When you like whole seclusion, on the neighboring island of Vieques you’ll be able to nonetheless discover distant, almost-private-for-yourself seashores, like Blue Seaside, Purple Seaside, and Inexperienced Seaside.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which seashore or sight you want to expertise, the most effective factor to do is to take pleasure in it, soak up the second, and let your self be enchanted!
8. For Toro Verde Journey Park, Dwelling to One of many Longest Zipline within the World
When you’re looking for an unforgettable journey, then you definitely’ll discover extra thrilling and adrenaline pumping actions on Puerto Rico as effectively.
Toro Verde Journey Park is an ecological park that’s house to a world-class ziplining expertise, which boasts being the longest single run zipline within the Americas, and one of many longest zip traces on this planet.
As you soar by way of the luxurious landscapes, adrenaline rushes by way of your veins, and breathtaking views unfold earlier than your eyes.
Toro Verde Journey Park invitations adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike.
9. For Salsa Dancing
Often called the birthplace of salsa, Puerto Rico holds a wealthy musical heritage that pulses by way of its streets.
From conventional salsa golf equipment to energetic dance festivals, Puerto Rico gives a various vary of venues and alternatives to immerse your self on this energetic dance fashion.
As you progress to the infectious rhythms of salsa, you’ll really feel the fervour and soul of Puerto Rico come alive.
Whether or not you’re an skilled dancer or a newbie seeking to study, Puerto Rico has a energetic salsa scene and is likely one of the greatest locations on this planet to get your salsa on.
10. It’s refreshing and delightful waterfalls
Puerto Rico’s waterfalls are an irresistible draw. With quite a few waterfalls scattered throughout the island, there’s no scarcity of pure wonders to discover.
From the majestic Gozalandia Falls and the picturesque La Mina Falls to the enchanting Juan Diego Falls, every waterfall gives a novel and awe-inspiring expertise.
The luxurious rainforests and rugged landscapes surrounding these falls present a serene backdrop, making them excellent for rest or journey.
11. Dwelling to Among the World’s Finest Rum
Often called the Rum Capital of the World, the island boasts a wealthy historical past and custom of rum manufacturing.
From famend manufacturers like Bacardi and Don Q having their distilleries right here, in addition to native corporations, Puerto Rico is the place to be for rum lovers.
12. For Bomba Music
In addition to salsa, guests ought to ensure to immerse themselves within the fascinating rhythms of bomba music.
Courting again over 400 years, bomba is the primary native music of the island, rooted within the African heritage of its individuals.
Not like different genres, bomba dancers set the rhythm for the musicians, creating a novel and interactive expertise.
The pulsating beats of the drums, the melodic maracas, and the energetic dance strikes all come collectively seamlessly. You will discover bomba music all around the island, and it actually provides to the general ambiance.
13. For Bioluminescent Bays
I discussed that the character in Puerto Rico is out of this world, however one of the crucial distinctive phenomenon of nature is Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays, the place nature places on a mesmerizing mild present.
These uncommon ecosystems, present in Fajardo, Vieques, and Lajas, are house to microorganisms that emit a surprising bioluminescent glow within the water.
One of the vital visited bioluminescent bay is Mosquito Bay, the place it’s attainable to see the glowing organisms from the shoreline.
Not like different bioluminescent bays world wide, Puerto Rico’s will be loved year-round, making it an ideal vacation spot for any time of the yr.
14. There are Festivals ALL the Time
When you haven’t figured it out but, there’s a energetic and vibrant spirit in Puerto Rico which is greatest skilled by attending one among its energetic festivals.
From the Fiesta de los Reyes Magos to the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, the island gives a various calendar of annual celebrations that showcase its wealthy cultural heritage.
Dance to the rhythm of bomba and salsa, bask in conventional meals and drinks, and take part on energetic parades and road events.
Whether or not you’re attending the Casals Competition to rejoice classical music or becoming a member of the festivities in the course of the longest vacation season on this planet, Puerto Rico at all times has a celebration on.
15. No Want For A Passport or Visa
A trip to Puerto Rico can’t be any simpler, because you don’t want a passport (for those who’re an American Citizen) or visa to enter.
It’s probably the most accessible tropical paradise from the states and
When you’re there, it’s very easy to get round. Public transportation in Puerto Rico is dependable and connects a lot of the island, plus Uber operates on the island and is less expensive than mainland USA.
Finest Time to Go to Puerto Rico
One of the best time to go to Puerto Rico is from mid-April to June. This era falls after the busy winter season and earlier than the wet summer season, providing nice climate and smaller crowds.
The height vacationer season is December to January, as many vacationers come right here to flee the cruel, chilly winters of mainland USA.
In the end, with Puerto Rico’s year-round heat local weather, you’ll be able to benefit from the island’s magnificence at any time, however vacationers must be warned that hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30.
You should use the map under that can assist you discover lodging in your Puerto Rico vacation spot.
Last Ideas
I lived in Puerto Rico for over 23 years and I nonetheless get excited once I return to the island.
Going again offers me the prospect to see the island each as a vacationer and as an area, permitting me to take pleasure in its sights and sweetness like if I used to be experiencing them for the primary time.
I hope this information helped you perceive why Puerto Rico is price visiting and why you need to add it to your journey bucket checklist.
Bio: Norbert Figueroa is an architect at all times on the lookout for new experiences and inspiration to design his world by way of journey and to construct an adventurous way of life. He shares suggestions and experiences at GloboTreks and at his fb fan web page to encourage others to get on the market and stay the life they need.
Supply: Breaking Travel News